But the man wrestled free and shot off once more down the crowded street. Sir Corc turned angrily and pressed on towards the river. They came to the river and found the watch had thrown up a makeshift barricade across the middle of the Goat’s Tongue Bridge. Pocket could hear the horrible screams of fighting men as the raiders charged across the bridge to assault the pile of overturned wagons, barrels and planking. The men of the watch held firm, repelling the attacks with spears and arrows. The span was littered with bodies on both sides of the barricade and Pocket could see watchmen running to pull their fallen comrades away from the battle and back to the relative safety of Sweynside where a small contingent of armed men waited in reserve should the barricade be overrun. Across the water, Hogulent was crowned in flames as the roofs of warehouses and foundries burned freely.

Sir Corc wasted no time at the Goat’s Tongue, turning to put the river to their right and heading away from the bridge. They traveled along the upper street for several minutes before Sir Corc led them down an uneven boat ramp which dumped onto the riverwalk. Ahead of them, through the gloom Pocket could see the foundations of Ten Ferries Bridge arching above them.

“The chandler’s is on the Hogulent side,” Bantam Flyn said, hurrying to draw even with Sir Corc. “If the bridge is barricaded, how are we to get across?”

Sir Corc did not answer, but only quickened his pace. Pocket had to pull sternly on the guide rope to keep Backbone moving swiftly and several times Muckle had to urge the mule on with a few well-placed swats to the haunches. Rosheen flew just ahead, between Pocket and the coburn. She kept glancing back at him, offering a reassuring smile when he met her gaze.

Sir Corc slowed when they approached the bridge. Another boat ramp led up to the street as well as a twisting flight of stone stairs that hugged the support pillar of the bridge. Above them, men fought on the bridge, the ringing of metal and the cries of battles echoing where they stood under the arch. Pocket jumped when something heavy slammed into the water, sending up a violent splash. When the rippling settled, a man floated face down in the river, arrow shafts protruding from his back. Across the river, Pocket could see the door to the chandler’s shop nestled under the bridge on the opposite side.

Sir Corc approached and removed his shield from Backbone’s loads. Strapping it to his arm, he nodded to Rosheen. The piskie wasted no time and flew off across the river, keeping directly under the bridge. She was so small Pocket lost sight of her in the darkness, but he thought he saw the distant door of the chandler’s shop open slightly. After what seemed an eternity, the piskie returned.